ZAZ 966

vs

ZAZ 965 Zaporozhets

USSR vs Soviet Union — 1960 vs 1960

ZAZ 966 (1960)
ZAZ 965 Zaporozhets (1960)
Specifications
966 Zaporozhets965 Zaporozhets Standard
Horsepower30 hp23 hp
Torque38 lb-ft32 lb-ft
Engine Size887 cc746 cc
Top Speed75 mph50 mph
Weight1,653 lbs1,466 lbs
Wheelbase2,160 mm2,023 mm
Length3,730 mm3,330 mm
Units Produced3,422,444322,166
Value (Excellent)$10,000$12,000
Collectibility5/105/10
Rarity5/106/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1960 ZAZ 966 Zaporozhets brings more power, higher top speed to the table, and the 1960 ZAZ 965 Zaporozhets Standard answers with lighter weight, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

ZAZ has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1960 ZAZ 966 Zaporozhets with the 1960 ZAZ 965 Zaporozhets Standard highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1960 ZAZ 966 Zaporozhets producing 30 hp and the 1960 ZAZ 965 Zaporozhets Standard delivering 23 hp. The 1960 ZAZ 966 Zaporozhets claims a higher top speed at 75 mph compared to 50 mph. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 322,166 units built, the 1960 ZAZ 965 Zaporozhets Standard is considerably scarcer than the ZAZ 966's 3,422,444 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.